CPU Comparison
Intel Core i7-13700H vs Intel Core i9-9980HK
A side-by-side comparison of specs, performance and value. The Intel Core i7-13700H is a high-performance mobile processor designed for thin-and-light gaming laptops and portable creator workstations.
The Bottom Line
Overview & Launch
Specifications Compared
Performance Compared
Productivity
Easily handles 4K video editing and heavy multi-tasking.
Strong multi-threaded performance handles creator applications well, though modern alternatives are faster.
Gaming
Provides high frame rates when paired with RTX 4050/4060 mobile GPUs.
Competent for gaming at high refresh rates, but newer CPUs offer better performance and efficiency.
Virtualization
Adequate for light VM usage on the go.
8 cores and 16 threads provide ample resources for running multiple virtual machines.
Efficiency
Excellent power scaling for battery life during light tasks.
14nm process consumes more power and generates more heat compared to modern 7nm+ mobile processors.
Specialized Performance
AI / ML
- Good CPU inference capabilities.
- Integrated GPU can assist with light AI workloads via OpenVINO.
- No dedicated AI acceleration hardware
- Can handle CPU-based inference for small models
- Far surpassed by modern NPUs and AI-focused processors
Content Creation
Gaming
- Rarely bottlenecks mobile GPUs up to RTX 4070.
- Intel Thread Director ensures smooth background task management.
- High single-core clocks benefit game performance
- Capable of driving high-refresh-rate gaming with a discrete GPU
- Integrated UHD 630 is not suitable for modern gaming
- Outperformed by newer mobile CPUs in efficiency and integrated graphics
Industry Impact
Best CPU by Use Case
Target Audience
Strengths & Weaknesses
Pros
- Excellent single-threaded performance
- Great hybrid core balance for mobile
- Supports fast LPDDR5 memory
- Integrated Iris Xe 96EU graphics
- PCIe 5.0 support for storage
Cons
- BGA socket means it cannot be upgraded
- Thermal throttling is common in thin laptops
- 115W turbo power is hard to sustain on battery
Pros
- 8 cores and 16 threads for excellent multi-threaded performance
- Unlocked multiplier for overclocking enthusiasts
- High 5.0 GHz turbo boost for strong single-core performance
- Good balance of performance and power in the 45W TDP class
- Well-supported by major laptop OEMs in its generation
Cons
- Older 14nm manufacturing process limits efficiency
- Integrated UHD 630 graphics are obsolete for modern gaming
- Discontinued platform with no upgrade path beyond 9th Gen mobile
- High power consumption and heat under load compared to newer chips
- Outperformed by many 7nm+ mobile processors in both performance per watt and integrated graphics
Competitors & Alternatives
Intel Core i7-13700H
- AMD Ryzen 7 7840HSRival
Mobile
- AMD Ryzen 9 7940HSRival
Mobile
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i9-13900HRival
Mobile
- Compare head-to-headApple M2 ProRival
Mobile
- Intel Core i5-13500HRival
Mobile
Slightly higher clocks if you want a bit more peak performance.
Compare head-to-headFor desktop-replacement laptops needing true 16-core power.
Compare head-to-head
Intel Core i9-9980HK
- AMD Ryzen 9 4900HSRival
High-End Mobile
- Intel Core i9-10880HKRival
High-End Mobile
- AMD Ryzen 7 4800HRival
High-Performance Mobile
- Intel Core i7-10750HRival
High-Performance Mobile
- Compare head-to-headApple M1Rival
Efficiency Mobile
- AMD Ryzen 9 7945HXAlt
Far superior multi-threaded performance, efficiency, and modern platform features.
Dramatically better performance in every metric and a modern platform with DDR5 support.
Compare head-to-head- AMD Ryzen 7 7840HSAlt
Excellent performance-per-watt with strong integrated Radeon graphics.
- Alt
Leading efficiency and integrated GPU performance for macOS users.
Compare head-to-head A balanced modern mobile CPU with good performance and efficiency, often at a lower cost.
Compare head-to-head
Our Verdict on Each
An excellent mobile CPU that offers a perfect sweet spot of clock speeds and core counts for premium thin-and-light laptops.
Best for: Purchasing a thin-and-light gaming or creator laptop.
Read the full reviewA powerful mobile processor in its time, offering top-tier multi-threaded performance and overclocking headroom, but now outpaced by newer, more efficient chips with better integrated graphics.
Best for: Used high-performance laptop for gaming or content creation on a strict budget
Read the full reviewFrequently Asked Questions
Which is better, Intel Core i7-13700H or Intel Core i9-9980HK?
Based on our editorial ratings, the Intel Core i7-13700H comes out ahead with a score of 8.7/10. That said, the best choice depends on your workload — check the spec and performance breakdown above for gaming, productivity and efficiency differences.
Which is faster for gaming, Intel Core i7-13700H or Intel Core i9-9980HK?
For gaming, the Intel Core i7-13700H leads with a gaming performance score of 85/100 among Intel Core i7-13700H and Intel Core i9-9980HK.
Do Intel Core i7-13700H and Intel Core i9-9980HK use the same socket?
No. They use different sockets (Intel Core i7-13700H: Intel BGA 1744, Intel Core i9-9980HK: BGA1440), so each needs a compatible motherboard.
Which has more cores?
The Intel Core i7-13700H has the most cores. Core counts: Intel Core i7-13700H (14 cores), Intel Core i9-9980HK (8 cores).
Which is faster in multi-core benchmarks?
The Intel Core i7-13700H posts the highest multi-core benchmark score. Multi-core results: Intel Core i7-13700H (32,000), Intel Core i9-9980HK (22). Benchmark figures are approximate and workload-dependent.